The Optimist Daily的动态

?? What if Shirley Chisholm Ran for President in 2024? ?? Imagine if Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President in 1972, entered the race today. Chisholm's legacy was one of fearless advocacy for equality, justice, and representation. As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seek a major party's nomination for President, she was truly ahead of her time. In 2024, our political landscape has evolved in many ways—but some challenges Shirley faced remain. Issues like racial inequality, healthcare, and education reform are as relevant now as they were. Her bold platform on universal healthcare, access to education, and civil rights would resonate deeply today, especially in an era where voter suppression and political polarization threaten democracy. Shirley’s campaign would look different now. With the power of social media, she'd be able to speak directly to millions, mobilizing young voters, women, and marginalized communities across the country. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok would give her a powerful voice to connect with the next generation. Her 1972 slogan "Unbought and Unbossed" still rings true today. ?? Let her legacy remind us that the fight for equality and representation is ongoing. Are you ready to carry on her message of courage and determination? #ShirleyChisholm #RepresentationMatters #UnboughtUnbossed #Trailblazer #Equality #CivilRights #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #2024Election #WomenInPolitics

?? What if Shirley Chisholm Ran for President in 2024? ?? Imagine if Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President in 1972, entered the race today. Chisholm's legacy was one of fearless advocacy for equality, justice, and representation. As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seek a major party's nomination for President, she was truly ahead of her time. In 2024, our political landscape has evolved in many ways—but some challenges Shirley faced remain. Issues like racial inequality, healthcare, and education reform are as relevant now as they were. Her bold platform on universal healthcare, access to education, and civil rights would resonate deeply today, especially in an era where voter suppression and political polarization threaten democracy. Shirley’s campaign would look different now. With the power of social media, she'd be able to speak directly to millions, mobilizing young voters, women, and marginalized communities across the country. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok would give her a powerful voice to connect with the next generation. Her 1972 slogan "Unbought and Unbossed" still rings true today. ?? Let her legacy remind us that the fight for equality and representation is ongoing. Are you ready to carry on her message of courage and determination? #ShirleyChisholm #RepresentationMatters #UnboughtUnbossed #Trailblazer #Equality #CivilRights #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #2024Election #WomenInPolitics

?? What if Shirley Chisholm Ran for President in 2024? ?? Imagine if Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President in 1972, entered the race today. Chisholm's legacy was one of fearless advocacy for equality, justice, and representation. As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seek a major party's nomination for President, she was truly ahead of her time. In 2024, our political landscape has evolved in many ways—but some challenges Shirley faced remain. Issues like racial inequality, healthcare, and education reform are as relevant now as they were. Her bold platform on universal healthcare, access to education, and civil rights would resonate deeply today, especially in an era where voter suppression and political polarization threaten democracy. Shirley’s campaign would look different now. With the power of social media, she'd be able to speak directly to millions, mobilizing young voters, women, and marginalized communities across the country. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok would give her a powerful voice to connect with the next generation. Her 1972 slogan "Unbought and Unbossed" still rings true today. ?? Let her legacy remind us that the fight for equality and representation is ongoing. Are you ready to carry on her message of courage and determination? #ShirleyChisholm #RepresentationMatters #UnboughtUnbossed #Trailblazer #Equality #CivilRights #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #2024Election #WomenInPolitics

"Breaking Barriers For Black Women Candidates" A new report from RepresentWomen shows how Black women are like the canaries in the mine shaft of US democracy Latest from #DemocracySOS. For Black History Month, see this new excellent report from @RepresentWomen showing that Black women are among the most politically underrepresented Americans. Why is that? It's not just racism and sexism, though those are significant factors. It also is a result of crucial structural barriers identified in this report, including the failure of adequate candidate recruitment by political parties, stark campaign finance inequities, and widespread use of race-washing #WinnerTakeAll electoral system. Democrats and the GOP could change all this to level the playing field. What are they waiting for?

I resonate with this post by Marilyn Mosby about the disrespect faced by Black woman in male dominated industries. As a black female General Contractor, the struggle of being overlooked, delayed, and dismissed while others are prioritized is a familiar experience. As Black women in male-dominated industries, our intelligence and strength are often overlooked. However, our perseverance will break the bias that holds us back. Together, we must support each other to pave the way for future generations of women in male dominant industries. #womeninconstruction #generalcontractor #blackwomen

Happy International Womens Day ?? Here are some achievements to celebrate today and to remind us how we have progressed as women in the labor force. Cheers to us and I wish you all continuous success. ?? The Nations first Women’s Day celebration was in New York City in 1909. By early 1980’s, cities and states across the county were marking the occasion and Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month in 1987. Since 1946, the nation has had more females than males. Women made up to 50.05% of the total population in 2021! In 2022, 56.8% of women were in labor force. Women’s labor force participation increased throughout the 20th century, peaking at 60% in 1999. A record of 129 women are serving as House Representatives and Delegates in the 118th Congress. 25 women serving in the Senate. In total 154 women members serve in the 118th Congress. Virginia’s rep Jennifer McClellan was sworn in after winning a special election in the states fourth congressional district in 2023. She is the first black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.

As I continue reflecting on this election outcome, the biggest question isn't why one candidate won or why another lost... The biggest question has and will always be, "Who are my people, really?" And Spoiler Alert: my people aren't necessarily always the ones who look like me (cue questionable Instagram and LinkedIn comments) I'm also reflecting on all these conversations I have witnessed lately of spouses "vote cheating" behind each other's backs. (E.g.: "I'm gonna vote ?? for Kamala Harris while he votes for Donald Trump...tee hee. ??") People have been asking a fair question: "Why are y'all married?" If you both have such fundamentally different values on human rights, why are y'all married? So I anticipate and even encourage us to ask ourselves quietly, "Who are my people, really and truly?" Because what's become starkly clear is we don't just disagree over frivolous things like sugar grits or salty grits or pizza toppings. We disagree over MAJOR values and principles like... Some of y'all really don't believe Black women deserve to thrive, achieve, lead and be abundant just like any average or mediocre White man in this country. You don't believe we are worth "the risk." And this is more than just the Kamala Harris conversation... This is a long documented historical and statistical pattern. One thing I'm being very clear on now and in 2025 is this: MY people LOVE the living daylights out of Black women - in consistent ACTION and PRACTICE. ???? They don't even fix their mouths to talk about Black women unless listening and learning directly FROM Black women ???? They actually READ and STUDY Black women from Black women thought leaders, feminists and womanists (and not just those that reinforce traditional value systems and gender roles) ???? They do the inner work of becoming safe spaces for marginalized people to feel comfortable being around or confiding to ???? They sincerely ask the Black women in their lives, "Tell me about what your life has been. What have been the rewards and challenges of being a Black woman in this country?" And they listen to understand...NOT to argue, school or humble us. We always kinda knew this, but it's become undeniably clear in the past few weeks that many people are simply not safe spaces for Black women - including those in our own community. If people ain't coming with that "I'm picking up a book exclusively focused on Black women to learn how to properly support them" type of energy now and in 2025... We can keep it cordial, polite and light but we're not REAL community. For those that do, I look forward to us being each other's people. ??

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind. While I was participating in the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management (SPNM) program for nonprofit leaders at Harvard University, a Black woman was solidifying her bid to become the Democratic nominee for the presidency. I thought, wow, this is amazing! The Black and brown young women we mentor at the Love Unity & Values Institute are entering adulthood at a rare and historic period. Misogyny, racism, sexism is unapologetically on display, true, but on the other side of that coin is a Black woman ascending to a position of power like none other who came before her. And yet, a torrent of attacks questioning her intelligence, her racial identity, her parental status and even her laugh stain the social fabric. What do I tell these young women who are striving toward a bright future? It’ll be different for you? I can’t guarantee that. Your intelligence and capabilities will never be questioned? I wish that were true. You won’t be underestimated? Again, how do we know? It’s not clear whether Kamala Harris’ ascent will put an end to this wholesale undervaluing of Black women. But I can encourage them to stand up for themselves. To not be deterred or dismayed by those who don’t believe in them. In fact, if they look at you and see mediocrity, tell them to get their eyes checked! Stop trying to define Black women by your biases. We have always excelled against the odds. Overlooked, undervalued and underestimated as we are, opinions and baseless attacks do not change the fact that we are excellent! #blackexcellence #empoweryouth #DNC https://lnkd.in/gt_nGBen

There are crucial issues at stake for Black women, from maternal morbidity to police and white supremacist violence, from income equity and under resourced schools to reproductive rights and crippling student loan debt. To address these challenges, Aimee has invested her heart and soul into She the People, a national organization empowering Black women and women of color to lead America into a new political era. By harnessing the power of media, research, and analysis to illuminate the strength of Black women’s–and women of color’s voting power– Aimee’s work is pivotal in boosting electoral engagement and advocating for racial, economic, and gender justice. Through her influential writings in publications like The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, and Essence magazine, Allison compellingly argues that Black women–the Democratic party’s most loyal demographic–and women of color are the backbone of American democracy. They play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable future. Her advocacy not only highlights their contributions but also serves as a clarion call for greater representation and empowerment in the political landscape. Aimee’s lifelong commitment to electing women of color was exemplified by her role in organizing the nation’s first Presidential Forum for women of color in 2019, where she interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris and other candidates before an audience of thousands. Now, as she rallies behind Harris’ historic presidential campaign, Allison is confident that the Democratic candidate can tackle the pressing issues Black women are eager to address, but there’s more work needed to be done to fully secure younger women’s support and trust. READ MORE at Newsone Ro https://lnkd.in/gjAATGUD

On The Backs of Black Women A Post Election Reflection The Democratic Party is looking for things to blame for the failed election. Central to this debate is the notion that had there been a primary to replace Joe Biden maybe things would have gone differently. I have a theory. When President Biden was compelled to step aside I suspect there was an assumption at play. That assumption was an aspiring qualified white male would emerge as the candidate. President Biden summarily endorsed Kamala Harris. It disrupted this aspiration. Kamala Harris was not first choice inside the party. The excitement and fundraising bump made it difficult to challenge his endorsement. The rest is history. This was the moment Vice President Kamala Harris decided to put America on her back and run for the presidency. -She knew what she was getting into. -She knew the political dynamics she would face. -She knew there was high probability America was not ready for her candidacy. -She knew she might not be elected. Vice President Kamala Harris ran anway building one of the most exciting campaigns in recent history. Kamala is not the first Black woman to put America on her back. Since our arrival on the shores of America in 1619 Black women put America on our backs in efforts to save ourselves from America and America from itself. This is not blind patriotism. Carrying America on our backs is a survival strategy. We put America on our backs to break the devastating impact of racism and sexism on our lives. If we aren't at the table we are on the menu. Carrying America on backs of Black women looks like: - Beaten and raped enslaved women providing forced free labor to America. Slavery was an economic development strategy. There was a need for laborers to build America's economy. Enslaved Black women broke their backs building America's economic development infrastructure. - Black women marching for civil rights. Yielding policies that increased fair, equitable access to resources and opportunities for ALL Americans. - Black women organizing game changing get out the vote initiatives leading to the election of numerous white male presidents. - Black women enduring the pressure of "going first" ensuring future generations have opportunities to lead across industries. As Democrats conduct an autopsy of what could have gone differently, I encourage you to thank Kamala Harris for putting America on her back by running for President. She didn't have to do it. She chose to do it to better America for ALL OF US. Rest Kamala. You owe America nothing. Not even an explanation of what went wrong during your campaign. Were there technical issues with your campaign? Of course. Did you misstep on issues. Yes. However, Black women know the X Factor at the root of your campaign. America's inability to break its habit of racism and sexism is the 400 year problem we all deal with. May this post open hearts, challenge assumptions, and expand minds.